It's been a long time since I've cried at a movie. But that's exactly what I did last night watching the new documentary, No Impact Man. Not crying really but weeping, appreciation and laughing tears. I fell in love with the whole family it's about; Colin, Michelle and Isabella.
While I was aware from news bites that there was a guy in NY that had given up everything (I never considered what he was gaining) I didn't read his blog or follow. Then Beth at Fake Plastic Fish had an interview post with the guy, Colin, which had me take notice. After that the Green Phone Booth posted a review of his book. I was interested.
I went to the movie with a friend who has never carried a canvas bag; not unlike Colin's wife, Michelle. While I learned new low impact tips from him I was his choir in the audience. More importantly, Michelle related to the audience that had yet to hear the siren's green call. Her distaste for worms, choice words for bike riders; her melt down at giving up caffeine. She spoke from the beauticians chair getting her hair colored and from her air conditioned office at Business Week sucking on ice. And then she cooked her first dinner. We were all changed.
On the way out of the theater my friend asked, "Do you think the growers would refill the plastic shells I buy berries in if I return them to the store?"
I tried not to cry again.
The big ahhh factor is their daughter, Isabella. She was a mimicking sprite; as happy in the dark as she was in the garden.
Admittedly I was biased toward the documentary from the beginning as Colin shopped for local food with flour sack towels and cloth produce bags. He spoke all my favorite things about sourcing food from near by. But he didn't overload our plates with food. He moved on to transportation, household cleaning products, cosmetics; the source of our power. He polished himself up for politics, volunteering, for talking to audiences. And while people were watching him, he was listening to the people doing the watching. Which is where he earned my final respect. He didn't flinch at the truth of criticism but neither did he give up in the face of it.
If you see this movie ( here's the schedule) I'd love to know how it impacts you. And take a friend. You'll want to talk about it at the end.
(Also posted at the Blogging Bookworm.)
2 days ago
5 comments:
cant wait till it arrives down under. i used to read no impacts blog but it just got a bit too 'big' if you know what i mean? i lost the sense of community that is one of my main reasons for reading blogs and others were doing the same things. thanks for the write up-was in two minds about it, now im not.
Hiya. Just got back from seeing it for a second time, this time with Michael and a couple of friends. They loved it. Colin was there to answer questions afterwards. He looked very tired. I think his PR people are running him ragged. But he did seem happy too.
Just to let you know, I'm starting a discussion of the book on Fake Plastic Fish in the morning (Monday). The discussion questions will be such that even people who haven't read the book yet will be able to join in. Would love for you to participate if you have time.
Kelly - I look forward to hearing what you think. I may have been overly sappy, I don't know. It just touched me.
Fake Plastic Fish - I'm glad he seemed happy on top of the tired - much better than the alternative. Your questions for the book discussion are terrific. So much food for thought. Equal to your questions though are your honest and vulnerable answers. Thank you.
Great post. I wasn't planning to see the movie--I'm more of a bookworm--but now I think I should.
And thanks for the link! :)
Karen Moser-Booth - I don't know that you should see the movie but I'd bet that you would like it. I completely appreciated your review of the book and am planning on reading it for sure. Thank you!
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